New US Visa Program to Require Bonds from Certain Travelers
The US Department of State is set to introduce a pilot program for nearly a year, beginning August 20, 2025. Under this initiative, applicants for specific B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas may need to submit refundable bonds, which could be $5,000, $10,000, or even $15,000.
This temporary measure is targeted at nationals from countries with high “visa overresidence rates” or insufficient screening processes, as well as those that provide citizenship through investment without residency obligations.
Program duration: Starts on August 20, 2025, and concludes on August 5, 2026.
This plan aligns with recent visa procedures introduced during the Trump administration. Just last week, the State Department announced that many people seeking to renew their visas will be required to attend in-person interviews, a shift from previous practices. Moreover, it’s now suggested that applicants for the Visa Diversity Lottery have current passports from their respective countries.
Initially, only Malawi and Zambia were mentioned as part of this program, but more countries are expected to follow. A full list of nations will be unveiled at least 15 days before the program’s launch.
If citizens from these identified countries qualify for a B-1/B-2 visa, they will need to post bonds determined during their visa interviews. They will also have to complete a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-352, agreeing to the bond terms, which must be processed through the online platform, Pay.gov. Importantly, this applies to applicants regardless of where they apply.
Whether a bond is required will be at the discretion of a consular officer, and its amount depends on individual assessments. If bonds are mandated, the visa application will be temporarily halted until the payment is completed on Pay.gov within a 30-day window.
The visas issued under this pilot will allow a single entry within three months, typically limiting stays to 30 days. Additionally, travelers are required to enter and exit through specific airports: Boston Logan (BOS), JFK in New York, or Washington Dulles (IAD). Failing to adhere to these conditions may lead to entry denial or complications with exit tracking.
If the traveler complies with the visa terms, departs on time, and does not apply for an extension or asylum, the bond will be returned in full. However, if they overstay, apply for asylum, or violate conditions, the bond will be forfeited.
This program is estimated to impact around 2,000 applicants during its duration, primarily from countries with limited travel history to the United States, according to the American Travel Association.
Countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, such as those in Europe, Australia, and Israel, are exempt from this bond requirement, as they have established agreements with the US that emphasize security and identity verification.
Some critics view this initiative as a “legalized shakedown,” arguing that it will create additional hurdles for travelers from poorer backgrounds. This change represents a significant shift in visa policy, imposing financial burdens on certain applicants while aiming to enhance compliance and internal evaluations in source nations. Nonetheless, since it’s a pilot program, its future and expansion remain uncertain.
